Culture & Community Circle is a series of monthly workshops that reflect our commitment to creating a continuous dialog and connection among various cultural groups and community members at Cuyamaca College. Join us this September as we come together to foster inclusivity, celebrate our shared humanity, and strengthen the bonds that make our college community uniquely vibrant and interconnected.
Black History Month Special Collections, Authors and Icons
Cuyamaca College Library, 1st Floor
Stop by the Cuyamaca College Library throughout the month of February to see the Black History Month Special Collection
Film Screening: The Hate U Give
February 11, 2026
Location: Student Center, 1st Floor
11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Please join us for a powerful film examining Black resistance, identity, and the ongoing
struggle for racial justice through the story of a young Black woman who witnesses
a police shooting and finds her voice, culminating in a moment where courage and humanity
interrupt a cycle of fear and violence between police and Black communities. Pizza
and light refreshments will be provided.
Together We Remember: Black History
February 11, 2026
1:00 to 3:00pm
Together We Rise & Black Student Success Center, C-102
Join us for a guided conversation honoring individuals from Black history who have
passed, as we celebrate their lasting legacy with soul food from
a local Black-owned restaurant.
Umoja Watch Party Event: Cultural Movie “42”
February 17, 2026
5:00 to 7:00 pm
“42” tells the story of two men— the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn
Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world
by changing the game of baseball.
Fire Side Chat with Lenroy Jones
February 19, 2026
Location: 2nd Floor, Library
2:30 to 3:30 pm
As the author of Staying The Course in the Job Hunt: The Ultimate Guide to Eradicating
Long-Term Unemployment and Underemployment, Jones brings insights and real-world tools
designed to empower those navigating today’s challenging job market. Drawing from
his two decades of coaching and facilitation experience, he encourages attendees to
harness emotional resilience, leverage technology such as AI trends, and build professional
networks — all vital skills for overcoming employment barriers.
Keynote, Book Signing and Networking Reception
February 19, 2026
Location: Student Center, I-209
5:30pm
As the author of Staying The Course in the Job Hunt: The Ultimate Guide to Eradicating
Long-Term Unemployment and Underemployment, Jones brings insights and real-world tools
designed to empower those navigating today’s challenging job market. Drawing from
his two decades of coaching and facilitation experience, he encourages attendees to
harness emotional resilience, leverage technology such as AI trends, and build professional
networks— all vital skills for overcoming employment barriers.
Enhancing Unconditional Belonging to overcome Imposter Syndrome
February 20, 2026
10:00 to 11:00 am
Presented by: Amanda Gunn, LPCC
The presenter will create a safe, supportive space for students to share experiences,
and learn strategies to manage imposter feelings
ZOOM LINK: https://gcccd-edu.zoom.us/j/87894520834Links to an external site.
Documentary Screening: The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution
February 25, 2026
Student Center, 1st Floor
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Join us for a documentary screening examining the history and legacy of the Black
Panther Party. The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution explores the movement’s
origins, political activism, community survival programs, and lasting impact on struggles
for racial justice in the United States. Pizza and light refreshments will be provided.
Expressions: Celebrating Black Artists
February 25, 2026
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Student Center, I-209
Presented by Together We Rise & Black Student Success Center
Step into a space of creativity and celebration at our open mic event honoring Black
artists and culture. Students are encouraged to express themselves by highlighting
influential figures through music, spoken word, readings, or performance
Umoja Game Night
February 26, 2026
Location: Black Student Success Center, C-102
5:00 pm to 6:30pm
Umoja will be hosting its annual Super Smash Bros tournament where you will be able
to win prizes! There will also be board games and free food!
Together We Remember: Women’s History
March 5 • 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: C-102 Together We Rise/ Black Student Success Center
Come join us to celebrate women’s history month with trivia! Test your knowledge and
enjoy a snack from a locally owned women’s business.
Femtors: Lifting as We Climb
March 6 • 10:00 to 11:00 am
Presented by: Jennifer Cosio
This workshop will cover a brief history of the women’s movement toward equal rights.
We will cover helpful and empowering tips
for students to network, gain femtorship, and build social capital.
Zoom Link: https://gcccd-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/NjffrxxsTvulHuR9J6e5vQ
The Women’s List
March 11 • 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: I-107 Queer Student Center
Drop in for a Women’s History Month documentary screening featuring portraitstyle
interviews with influential women across culture, leadership, and public life. Pizza,
drinks, and light snacks will be provided.
Wellbeing as Women Leaders
March 11 • 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Presented by: Chelsea Lombrozo
Join us for an empowering workshop in celebration of Women’s History Month as we dive
into the multifaceted aspects of wellbeing as women leaders. In this engaging session,
we will explore the dimensions of wellness that are integral to thriving in leadership
roles and beyond.
Zoom Link: https://gcccd-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/hGEAyxrdRNuJVIxyRTHckw
Rest & Reset
March 18 • 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: I-104 Student Center
Presented by: Lauren Cardoso, Mental Health Counselor
In recognition of Women’s History Month, join us for an opportunity to pause and
reset. This event focuses on stress, burnout, and the invisible pressures many students
carry, offering practical tools and campus resources to support mental well-being.
All students are welcome.
Extraordinary Hispanic Women
March 18 • 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: I Building Student Center
This documentary traces women’s leadership across history, from Indigenous
leadership and early organizing movements to modern-day activists, artists, and public
figures. The film highlights how their work has shaped culture, rights, and everyday
life in the United States. Pizza, drinks, and light snacks will be provided.
Amplify Her Voice: Building Confidence and Belonging
March 20 • 10:00 to 11:00 am
Presented by Amanda Gunn, Mental Health Counselor
Join us for a conversation about confidence, connection, and the courage to speak
up.
Together, we’ll unpack the barriers that hold women back from sharing their voices
and discover how communication can build belonging and empowerment.
Zoom Link: https://gcccd-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/1XdOSvO6QRuPb9lwejKmxQ
Ultimate Sacrifices: Capt. Jennifer Moreno
March 25 • 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: I Building Student Center
This documentary follows the journey of a San Diego-raised rising star, who was raised
by an immigrant single mother, excelled in school, went from JROTC and nursing school
to serving in the United States Army as part of an all-female Cultural Support Team.
Her story is shared through the voices of those closest to her, highlighting her
path of service, purpose, and the realities of dedication and sacrifice. Content Note:
Includes audio and scenes related to war and military life. Pizza, drinks, and light
snacks will be provided.
Expressions: Celebrating Women Artists
March 25 • 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: C- 102 Together We Rise/ Black Student Success Center
Step into a space of creativity and celebration at our open mic event honoring women
artists and culture. Students are encouraged to express themselves by highlighting
influential figures through music, spoken word, readings, art, or performance.
Students who complete a minimum of four workshops by May 9, 2025 will receive a Diversity & Leadership co-curricular certificate and be recognized at the Associated Student Government leadership awards ceremony in May 2025.
Sponsored by: Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Success, and Equity, Student Engagement and Belonging, and Associated Student Government. For additional information on the Culture & Community Circle workshops, please contact Lauren Vaknin in the Student Engagement and Belonging Office at (619) 660-4295.
Culture and Community Circle - Latinx Heritage Month
Presented by: Jennifer Cosio, Professor, SDSU
College Hour - The Sounds of Blackness
Dissecting Equity: The Legacy of the 20th Century Civil Rights Movement
Presented by: Yaa Faraji
Women’s History Panel
Presented by: Moriah Gozalez-Meeks, Instructor, Cuyamaca and Marissa Salazar, Instructor, Cuyamaca College
Women Mentoring Women: Mentoring and Fostering Relations are a Key to Your Success
Presented by: Dr. Kimberely Fletcher, Instructor, SDSU